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The first shipment of H1N1 vaccine for Washington County arrived yesterday. Public Health Program Director Chrystal Woller says they only received the nasal spray version of the vaccine, and there are restrictions on who should receive it. Woller says there are priority groups of people who will receive the vaccine. She says that includes health care workers, and people who care for children. The H1N1 mass clinic will be from 2:30-4:30 Monday (10/12) at the Washington YMCA. Public health will be conducting screenings to make sure you’re eligible to receive the vaccination.

* 2-24 years of age
* 25-49 years of age AND
o Live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age OR
o Health care or emergency medical personnel
* NOT allergic to eggs
* NOT pregnant
* Not in close contact with anyone with a severely weakened immune system requiring care in a protected environment
* NOT a child or adolescent on long-term aspirin treatment
* Do NOT have a weakened immune system
* Do NOT have a muscle or nerve disorder (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
* Do NOT have a long-term health problem such as heart disease, kidney or liver disease, lung disease (including asthma), metabolic disease such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders
* NOT sick with more than a cold
* NOT recveived a live vaccine in the last 4 weeks
* No history of Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS).

* Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
* You can also visit: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/default.asp
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
o Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
* Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
* Call Washington County Public Health for more information: 319-653-7758
* Hotlines have also been established by IDPH
o General public questions: 1-800-447-1985
o Health care provider questions: 1-877-386-9103